The Learning Process of a Tourist

The level of satisfaction depends on one’s expectation of a situation as well as one’s perception of an
actual situation. If the level of expectation higher than the actual experience, the tourist will be
dissatisfied. For the traveler to be satisfied with a product, service or situation, the level of actual
experience must be equal to or greater than the level of expectation.

Tourist’s Learning Process

Among these alternatives Decision criteria are learned from past experiences and information from
commercial or social environments. They are derived from similar experiences, such as good weather
and friendly service, to determine satisfaction in a destination, ensuring that the chosen destination
aligns with the individual’s preferences.

Effect of Consistency and Complexity on Leisure Travel

Edward J. Mayo and Lance Jervis in The Psychology of Leisure Travel, believe that individuals differ in
the amount of psychological tension they can handle.

Overuse of repetition leads to boredom and psychological tension, prompting individuals to

introduce complexity to their lives, as seen in tourists changing destinations or methods.too much
complexity may result in more tension than a person can endure. To reduce the level of tension, he
will introduce consistency into that experience

For example, a Filipino tourist in Europe may find the different language and culture (complexity)
need to be balanced by staying in a hotel chain with which he is familiar (consistency).

Classification of Travelers Based on Personality

Stanley C. Plog, a biological researcher, categorized travelers into pyschocentrics and allocentrics
based on their personalities. Psychocentrics are inhibited, unadventuresome, and prefer “safe”
destinations, preferring experiences without stress.Psychocentric individuals prefer to stay home,
engage in low-activity activities like golf, and prefer to drive to destinations rather than fly.

Allocentrics, or people having interest and attention on other persons, are highly curious and thrive
on stimulation and change

Midcentrics, a group between psychocentrics and allocentrics, are adventurous yet not afraid to try
new experiences, making up the majority of the mass market.

Classification of Travelers Based on Purpose of Travel

Business Travelers

Majority of travelers in most developed countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United
Kingdom are the business travelers. They are divided into three categories namely:
1. Regular business travelers

2. Business travelers attending meetings, conventions, and congresses

3. Incentive travelers

Regular Business Travelers

Business travelers’ expenses are largely covered by the company, ensuring their growth and volume,
despite potential price increases in travel services.

Recent surveys reveal a rapidly increasing ratio of women business travelers to men, with significant
differences between male and female business travelers are:

Women business travelers are slightly younger. They tend to stay longer at their destinations.

They are more apt to be unmarried than males. They are more likely to attend a meeting or
convention.

They are more likely to book through a travel agent.

They have a greater preference for downtown accommodation facilities closer to work.

They are more concerned with security aspects of accomodities and facilities.

CONVENTIONS are divided into four types: international, continental, national, and regional.
International conventions involve members and non-members from multiple countries, are non-
profit, and attract people with common interests. Continental conventions involve delegates from
North America, Europe, or Asia. National conventions are organized by state, provincial, or regional
associations.

INCENTIVE TRAVEL is a type of business travel given to employees as a reward for accomplishments
or exceeding expectations. It has seen a sharp increase among Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), with
experts predicting long-term benefits.

Corporations usually have the following objectives in buying incentive travel trips:

1. Increase overall sales volumes

2. Sell new accounts

3. Improve morale and good will 4. Introduce new products

5. Offset competitive promotions

6. Bolster slow seasons

7. Help in sales training

8. Sell slow items

9. Obtain more store displays and support consumer promotions.

Pleasure/Personal Travelers

This group consists of people traveling for vacation or They are also called non-business travelers.
Experiences and research pleasure.Non-business travelers, also known as vacationers, have distinct
spending patterns and are concerned with price increases. They are the largest segment of the
international market, growing due to rising income levels, urbanization, and higher education. They
also choose their vacation area.

Pleasure/personal travelers are classified into the followingcategories:

1. Resort travelers

2. Family pleasure travelers

3. The elderly

4. Singles and couples

Resort Travelers

Research indicates that resort travelers are typically educated, have higher household incomes, and
hold professional or managerial positions, with a majority of them having children.

Family Pleasure Travelers

Family pleasure travelers can be categorized into junior, mid-range, and mature families based on the
age of the husband and wife and their children’s educational stages.

Travel Constraints

The main constraints to travel are:

1. Lack of money

Money is a significant travel constraint, with the wealthy often traveling more frequently, while those
with more disposable income can travel more.

2. Lack of time

Time is a crucial factor in tourist travel, as it requires a combination of desire and financial ability, as
well as sufficient financial resources.

3. Lack of safety and security

Lack of security in public places, hotels, and travel centers can lead to people preferring local
security, making unsafe areas less desirable travel destinations, as seen in the Philippines, Caribbean,
Mexico, Spain, and Italy.
 4. Physical disability

Physical disability often prevents elderly individuals from traveling due to health issues, such as heart
problems, hypertension, arthritis, and bronchitis, and due to tiring trips and sleeplessness.

5. Family commitments

Family commitments, particularly for young children, often make travel difficult and costly, especially
during the child-rearing period, which significantly increases women’s family obligations.

6. Lack of interests in travel

The preference to stay at home may stem from various factors such as dislike of travel, shyness in
meeting people, and dislike of changing routines.

7. Fears of travels

Fears of lying, the unknown, language barriers, and unfamiliar decisions in unfamiliar places often
deter people from traveling, leading to a lack of interest in exploring new destinations or leaving
their home countries. These fears contribute to a lack of travel intention.